Instant Messaging Server Infrastructure Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instant messaging systems do not effectively integrate the interaction and control of infrastructure devices within their environment, limiting users' ability to communicate and manage networked devices like display screens and printers in a unified and intuitive manner.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where infrastructure devices register with an IM server, providing status and service information, which is then published to connected computing devices, allowing users to manage and interact with these devices through an enhanced IM client application, similar to traditional buddy lists, enabling chat sessions and service interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional IM systems are used for device interaction, then communication between users is maintained, but integration with infrastructure devices is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The IM server is enhanced to perform multiple functions: traditional instant messaging communication and infrastructure device management. The server registers both user contacts and infrastructure devices, publishes device status information alongside contact information, and enables unified interaction mechanisms for both types of entities, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The IM server acts as an intermediary between users and infrastructure devices. Instead of direct device-to-device communication or complex point-to-point integrations, all interactions route through the IM server which manages device registration, status publishing, and interaction routing, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling versatile device integration
2Loss of information
If infrastructure devices are registered with IM server, then device status information is published to contacts, but information delivery complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Infrastructure devices publish their status information to the IM server, which then distributes this information to relevant contacts. This creates a feedback loop where device status is continuously updated and made visible to users, ensuring information availability without requiring complex direct querying mechanisms from each contact to each device
3Ease of operation
If IM client displays infrastructure devices in contact list, then user interaction with devices is simplified, but contact list management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact list interface is merged with infrastructure device listing. Both user contacts and infrastructure devices appear in the same contact list view, allowing users to interact with devices using the same familiar interface they use for messaging contacts. The IM client handles the complexity of distinguishing and managing different entity types internally while presenting a unified simple interface to users
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for interacting with and controlling infrastructure devices within an IM environment. The method comprises registering at least one infrastructure device at an IM server, registering at least one computing device at the IM server, and delivering one or more of infrastructure device characteristics, status information, and service information from a registered infrastructure device to the IM server, wherein the IM server is configured to publish and update the infrastructure device characteristics, status information, and service information from the at least one registered infrastructure device to registered computing devices. The method also comprises maintaining and displaying a contact list at an IM client application executing at a registered computing device, wherein the contact listing is populated with a listing of registered infrastructure devices and the infrastructure device characteristics, status information, and service information that is associated with the infrastructure device.